Here are New Zealand’s statutory updates for 2025.
Effective July 2025
New Zealand Updates Active Investor Plus Visa with Growth and Balanced Categories
New Zealand has revised the Active Investor Plus Visa to attract high-value investors with more flexible options.
Key Details:
New Categories:
- Growth: NZD $5M for 3 years in higher-risk investments (e.g., managed funds, direct business investment).
- Balanced: NZD $10M for 5 years in lower-risk investments (e.g., bonds, property).
Additional Changes:
- Minimum investment cut from NZD $15M to NZD $5–10M.
- Broader investment scope for Balanced investors.
- English language requirement removed.
- Reduced presence in New Zealand for active investors.
- Transition: Investor 1 and 2 visas closed; existing applications continue.
Source: New Zealand Immigration
Effective June 2025
New Zealand Expands List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
Immigration New Zealand has updated its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), which streamlines visa applications (Skilled Migrant, Green List and Accredited Employer Work Visas) by recognising overseas qualifications without a formal International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
Key Details:
- New additions: qualifications from France, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland are now auto-exempt.
- Existing entries for Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, the UK and the USA have been updated to improve clarity and consistency.
- The updated LQEA takes effect on 23 June 2025 and applies to all new relevant visa applications lodged from that date.
Source: Fragomen
Effective February 2025
New Zealand Updates Median Wage Requirements and Interim Visa Work Rights
The New Zealand government is implementing higher wage thresholds for migrants supporting family members and new work rights for interim visa holders.
Key Details:
- Increased Wage Thresholds for Sponsors:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders must now earn NZ$26.85 per hour to support a partner.
- Sponsors under the Parent Category Visa must earn NZ$33.56 per hour.
- Expanded Interim Visa Work Rights (Effective April 2025):
- AEWV applicants can work while waiting for approval if they held a work visa or a student visa that allowed work.
- Time spent on an interim visa that permits work will count toward continuous stay under AEWV.
These changes aim to ensure financial stability for sponsored family members and provide greater flexibility for migrant workers.
Source: BAL
Effective January 2025
New Zealand Allows Remote Work for Digital Nomads on Visitor Visas
New Zealand has relaxed visa conditions to allow remote work for overseas employers while visiting the country.
Key Updates:
- Who is Eligible: Holders of visitor visas and New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visas.
- Permitted Activities: Remote work for an overseas employer or client is now allowed.
- Restrictions: Visitors cannot work for a New Zealand employer, provide goods or services to local businesses, or perform on-site work in the country.
Source: BAL
